Life, life, for just a sou a glass. This cry echoed through the streets of Paris centuries ago. It came from the Parisian water-carrier.
Let’s talk about Eau de Paris. It is the public face of water management in this iconic city. But to truly understand its significance we must journey back in time. We must explore the lives of those who quenched Paris’s thirst.
Imagine 17th and 18th-century Paris. Drawing water from the Seine was forbidden. The river served as a dumping ground for all sorts of waste. It was declared unfit for drinking or bathing. Unlike Dutch cities with private wells Parisians relied on a few public fountains. Long queues were guaranteed. The water-carrier stepped in to fill the gap.
Edmé Bouchardon immortalized the Parisian water-carrier in his art. His tools were his trade and his uniform. With a small investment a strong man could become a water-carrier. He needed two buckets, a strap, a hoop, and a license. He could build a loyal clientele and save money. The job attracted poor immigrants from Auvergne in central France. Many aging water-carriers sold their businesses to younger family members. By the late 18th century most water-carriers were from Auvergne.
The “porteur d’eau” started at dawn. He paid for the right to fill buckets at public fountains. Police gave him a number. He had to keep his buckets full overnight in case of fire. He walked his sector all day long. Artwork shows him with two pails hanging from a leather strap. The pails look heavy.
Early pails were made of beech wood with matching covers. Later, boiled leather containers reduced the weight. Still each pail held about 12 liters.
In the 19th century some water-carriers used a horse and cart. They filled apartment bathtubs. Imagine carrying many pails between the hot water barrel and the tub. They charged more for higher floors. Spilling water meant losing a tip.
Carrying heavy loads all day took a toll. Bernardino Ramazzini studied the health problems of workers. He noted that water-carriers suffered from varicose veins hernias and back problems.
Fast forward to the 21st century. Eau de Paris manages a modern water service. The water supply used to be fragmented and expensive. Now it is well-managed high-quality and affordable. A strong environmental strategy backs it.
Eau de Paris is a publicly owned company. It provides drinking water to millions of users each year. The water is cheaper than before re-municipalization in 2010. Users report high satisfaction. All profits are reinvested in maintenance and modernization.
The city now discusses water issues openly. These issues range from public fountains to green energy. They also include aid for the homeless. Eau de Paris maintains a resilient business model. It is a strong example of effective and sustainable public management.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the company promoted tap water. Tap water is safe. Drink public water. Don’t create more plastic waste. Eau de Paris also helped those struggling to pay water bills. Its laboratory tracked the virus in urban waters.
Eau de Paris has a long-term vision. It aims to protect water sources increase biodiversity and control energy consumption. It works with farmers to reduce agricultural chemicals. Protecting these farmers costs less than treating polluted water.
Eau de Paris encourages water conservation. It educates Parisians about its importance. The city is constantly working to improve network efficiency. The goal is to distribute as much water as possible.
The heart of the network remains Belgrand’s 19th-century system. Eau de Paris feels a duty to preserve it. The inherited system has set a high standard. The company also preserves the architectural ambition of its infrastructure.
Eau de Paris even has an emergency back-up system. Deep-water wells provide life-saving resources. These wells also provide heating through a geothermal plant. The city is committed to renewable energies and carbon reduction.
Eau de Paris. Battered by the waves but never sunk. It ensures that Paris continues to have access to clean affordable water. This is a legacy that the water-carriers of old would surely appreciate.